2017 was our first Operation United for Day of Caring; volunteers pose with the military homeowner after helping out at his home.
25 Years of Day of Caring!
BY CHRISTINE ROBERE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, UNITED WAY OF THE LAKESHORE
For 25 years, United Way volunteers have gathered together for our annual Day of Caring. From cleaning up parks and streetscapes, building tables for parks, assisting veterans with home repairs and landscaping to putting together Kits for Classrooms, there’s been something for every volunteer to help with over the years.
Operation United is the theme of this year’s Day of Caring, as we pay special tribute to those that have served in the military to protect us. United Way of the Lakeshore began as the Greater Muskegon War Chest in 1918 to serve military families and veterans. It is fitting in our 100th year of service that we again focus on helping military families and veterans. We invite the community to join us to volunteer and serve as team leaders for our day of service as we continue bringing together hundreds of volunteers, companies and agencies for one impactful day of service. We will serve our local veteran families by assisting with minor outdoor home repairs, and improvements, landscaping, and yard work.
To sign up to help on our 25th Annual Day of Caring, visit us online here – we have various opportunities available!
We are also seeking sponsors for the day – click here to see sponsorship opportunities, or contact Stephanie Ladegast at 231-332-4000 or Stephanie@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
Here are some highlights from past Days of Caring.
Students help plant flowers at the Muskegon Recreational Center at Smith-Ryerson Park in 2008.
Painting window frames at the Muskegon Recreational Center at Smith-Ryerson Park in 2008.
Ready to paint at the Muskegon Recreational Center at Smith-Ryerson Park in 2008!
Giving the LST-393 some TLC in 2009.
Brightening up the trash cans at Mullally Field in Muskegon Township for Day of Caring 2011.
A volunteer gives the playground slide at Wesley Park in Muskegon Township some fresh paint in 2012.
A helpful sign from 2012.
Sammie Ladegast poses with some feathered friends while helping clean up the Muskegon County Fairgrounds in 2013.
Day of Caring in 2014 had volunteers helping build the new McLaughlin grows greenhouses, as they relocated to the Hackley Campus of Mercy Health.
United Way helped the Watch Muskegon campaign beautify our streetscapes in 2015.
Volunteers help prepare lunches for Kids Food Basket in 2016, making sure kids in our community have a healthy meal.
Stretching with some yoga moves before heading out to the Day of Caring worksites in 2016.
Building Kits for Classrooms in 2017, so that our teachers have the supplies they need to get the school year underway.
Join us for 18 on the 18th at the Beautiful Oceana Golf Club
Please join us for a fun afternoon of golf on August 18, with proceeds to benefit United Way of the Lakeshore programs in Oceana County. Open to golfers of all skill levels, this four person scramble begins with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. A fabulous dinner catered by Joanne Clark follows the golf, with contests, prizes, and raffles. The cost is $75/player ($55 for Oceana Golf Course Members), or just come for dinner for $10 per guest.
Online registration is open at UnitedWayLakeshore.org/golf or you can register in person at the Oceana Golf Club, 3333 W Weaver Road in Shelby.
Questions? Contact Barbara Saunders Sims, United Way of the Lakeshore's Oceana County Director at (231) 332-4005 or barbara@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
For more ways to become involved with United Way, visit our website at UnitedWayLakeshore.org or check out our Facebook page. You’ll find ways to donate, volunteer, and advocate as we work together to inspire change and build thriving communities!
United Way of the Lakeshore is uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities. Our Bold Goal – 10,000 more working families meet their basic needs by 2025. For more information, contact United Way of the Lakeshore at (231) 722-3134. Learn more about United Way of the Lakeshore at UnitedWayLakeshore.org, like the organization on Facebook and receive up to date information from Twitter at twitter.com/uwlakeshore.
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